Truck driver dies when vehicle hits a tree on Greenwell Springs Rd

By swebb

Created 04/21/2014 - 4:44pm

POSTED: Monday, April 21, 2014 - 4:44pm

UPDATED: Monday, April 21, 2014 - 4:45pm

Brownsfield — Shortly before 9:00 am on April 21, 2014, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a single vehicle fatal crash that occurred on LA Hwy 37 (Greenwell Springs Rd.) north of Stoney Point Birch Rd. in East Baton Rouge Parish.

The crash took the life of 22 year old Will E. Wright, Jr. of Hammond.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Wright was driving a 2001 Mack 18-wheeler dump truck (hauling gravel) southbound on LA Hwy 37. As Wright exited a gradual curve to the left his truck ran off the roadway to the right and entered into a ditch. After entering the ditch the vehicle struck a culvert, became airborne and then struck a tree.

Investigating Troopers believe that Wright was unrestrained at the time of the crash. He suffered fatal injuries as a result and was pronounced deceased on scene by the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office. Driver impairment is not suspected at this time; however, a toxicology sample was taken from Wright and submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists of the importance of seatbelt use. Louisiana law requires that every person in a motor vehicle, regardless of seating position or type of vehicle, always remain buckled up. Statistics show that the chances of surviving a violent crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Taking the time to buckle up before every trip is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.